JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURSt, N.J. -- Physically distant but socially connected, the Freedom Wing’s helping agencies have had to get creative in the way they support Airmen through the pandemic.
“One of most powerful ways people have maintained or built resilience and positivity is through connected-ness with others,” the wing’s Director of Psychological Health Jaclyn Urmey said. “Whether it’s a phone call or watching a video of someone speaking, people are designed and wired for connection.”
That's why Urmey and Chaplain Michael Fuentes have teamed up to create a monthly video discussion series they call “UnScripted” in an effort to connect with Airmen virtually.
“We knew recovering from the pandemic was going to be a long process, so we decided to continue giving rays of hope every month during the UTAs,” Fuentes said.
The theme of this month’s UnScripted video was love. The pair discussed love from both spiritual and psychological health perspectives, and also talked about heartbreak and loss.
“I know a lot of us have experienced loss and tough times,” Fuentes explained in the video. “When you’re in that hole and you can’t see the light, there are still good things around you.”
Urmey said it is especially common during these tough times to feel helpless for the first time.
“This pandemic has resulted in some who have been managing all right with pre-pandemic stressors feeling overwhelmed and challenged,” Urmey said. “Feeling that your coping skills are tapping out or that you can’t handle things is a scary feeling.”
Chaplain Fuentes believes it is important to reach out during these times.
"It’s okay to not be okay during this crazy time; it is okay to get help," Fuentes said. "Go get help and get a boost of medicine for the soul so you can make it in the journey we call life."
Important phone numbers
Military OneSource: 800-342-9647
Military Crisis Line: 800-273-8255
Jaclyn Urmey, Director of Psychological Health: 609-286-4249
514 AMW Chaplains: 609-754-3261